AquaGrow Farms

CANADA’S FIRST AQUAPONIC FOOD BANK

WE ARE…

AquaGrow Farms is a 500 square foot urban farm, nestled in the warehouse of The Mississauga Food Bank. We grow and distribute thousands of servings of fresh produce and protein every year to feed our hungry neighbours.

What is Aquaponics?

Aquaponics is a form of agriculture that combines aquaculture (fish-farming) and hydroponics (soil-less agriculture). We chose this method of farming because it gives us the opportunity to raise fish and greens year-round for our hungry neighbours.

WE CREATE

Our farm meets the community’s rising need for nutritious fresh food by creating a source of healthy greens and protein.

WE DRAW ATTENTION

AquaGrow Farms starts conversations about food insecurity and the need for fresh food by those who live in poverty in Mississauga.

WE EDUCATE

We talk to people about where their food may have come from and introduce them to the idea of sustainable “urban agriculture”.

FEEDING OUR NEIGHBOURS

We have three grow beds and two fish tanks that will produce approximately 645 servings of fish and 10,800 servings of greens each year. All of the healthy greens and protein-rich fish we grow are distributed to our member agencies across Mississauga. From there they are given to hungry members of our community who otherwise would have limited access to fresh, healthy food.

F.A.Q.

A: Our Nile Tilapia are fed a high quality diet and produce waste as a result. Through several biological processes, this waste is converted to nitrate, which acts as a fertilizer for the plants. The water is then pumped to our raft tanks where our plants receive this nutrient rich water through their roots. This process helps filter the water and the clean water is pumped back to the fish tank where the cycle starts all over again. In other words, We feed the fish, the fish feed the plants, the plants clean the water for the fish.

A: The Mississauga Food Bank is committed to sourcing healthy and nutritious food for our clients. There is virtually no farmland left in Mississauga, so it’s more difficult for us to source donations of produce directly from producers. Also, we’ve noticed a decline in the number of fresh food donations over the last few years. We felt the best possible way to be a part of the solution to this challenge was to start AquaGrow Farms. Not only are we creating a source of fresh food, but we’re also starting conversations about food insecurity and inspiring others to think about non-traditional forms of agriculture.

A: Our system is incredibly environmentally friendly as it uses 90-95% less water than traditional agriculture. Since its inside, we can control our “weather” (temperature, lighting, etc.) so our farm will yield 150-200% more per square foot vs traditional farming and we’ll be growing 365 days of the year. Not only is this efficient, but it also provides a consistent year-round source of fresh food for our neighbours in need.

A: Right now, we’ve grown three different varieties of lettuce. However, this system has the capacity to support growing anything from bok choy to strawberries. Each crop will do differently in our particular environment, so we’ll keep on experimenting until we find what works best for our context and provides our clients with the tastiest product. In the future we hope to experiment with other leafy greens like kale and spinach.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Everyone wants to provide their family with the best food possible. Think about the types of healthy food items that you would like to feed to your family. You can ensure our hungry neighbours have access to nutritious options by donating healthy food items.

We’re always looking for innovative ways to feed our neighbours the most nutritious food possible. Your donation to AquaGrow Farms will help us feed your neighbours in need. With your help, we can continue to source healthy foods through projects like this.